PhD student in tumor vascular biology

Published: 2024-05-06

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University provides a broad international environment for research and teaching. Research at IMBIM) broadly spans the areas of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, tumour biology, comparative genetics, functional genomics, immunology, bacteriology, and virology. The research is essentially of fundamental nature, but with relevance and application in health and disease in both animals and humans. More info: https://www.imbim.uu.se/research-areas/ .

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to be involved in the project “Neutrophil extracellular traps as mediators of systemic effects of cancer”, funded by the Swedish Cancer Society. The project is led by Anna-Karin Olsson, and the PhD student will be located at the Biomedical Centre, Uppsala, Sweden.

Project description
Cancer does not only affect the sites where tumor cells are located, but also the function of distant organs in the body. Although tumor-induced systemic effects account for the majority of cancer-related deaths, the underlying causes are still relatively unexplored. Here, we focus on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), through which a primary tumor can damage the vasculature, promote inflammation and reduce the functionality of distant organs. NETs form during infection and inflammation when neutrophils externalize decondensed chromatin mixed with content from their granules, such as anti-microbial peptides. In this project, the PhD student will analyze tumor-induced vascular gene expression in organs distant from a primary tumor, in the absence or presence of NETs. The aim is to build a global map of tumor-induced gene expression changes in the peripheral vasculature and determine to what degree these changes are dependent on NETs. The project also involves development of NET-targeting strategies, with potential clinical application.

Duties
The main duties of PhD students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (not more than 20 % of full time).

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must have

• a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in medical research, molecular biology, cancer biology, or similar field, or
• completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way
• documented training in laboratory animal science
• experience from in vivo work
• experience of tissue preservation methods and subsequent analysis of gene or protein expression
• background understanding of, and interest in, tumor vascular biology
• proficiency in spoken and written English
• ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects independently
• creativity and good group-working skills 

The selection is based on the following criteria
Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working, and performing research in the wider area that relates to the project described above. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated in order to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the research program. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility and collaborative skills.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines .

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further details, please contact Anna-Karin Olsson, [email protected]

Application: Please submit your application using the Uppsala University application portal, by including a CV, a letter describing your research interest and skills, copy of Master’s thesis (or a draft thereof and/or some other self-produced technical or scientific text), publications, and other relevant documents, contact information of two referees (phone number and e-mail address).

Please submit your application by May 22, 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1578.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position

Pay: According to local agreement

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO [email protected]
Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2024/1578

Last application date: 2024-05-22

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